Oskaloosa native continues passion for art
Oct. 10—An Oskaloosa native continues to find inspiration to pursue his passion for art despite the obstacles he faces with muscular dystrophy.
Jordan Wayne is a 26-year-old local artist who specializes in graphic design. He loves working with color and typography within his designs to create a nostalgic, retro style. Wayne is well-known throughout the community for his "Welcome to Oskaloosa" Retro Poster Series, which includes landmarks like the Oskaloosa Bandstand and the Chief Mahaska statue.
"I try to emulate the style of mid-century ... national parks posters. They have muted colors and a more simple style and a hand-painted-looking texture," he says. "The styles are more retro and Americana. I like to make things that have an older feel to them but then also making them a little more modern."
In addition to prints and posters, Wayne enjoys designing product packaging, motion graphics and artwork for apparel for his business, Jordan Wayne Designs. He also accepts commission work.
Wayne's work is currently being showcased at the Oskaloosa Art Center. His show, titled "Contemporary Vintage," features a selection of retro, Iowa-themed designs. This show in addition to other artwork by Wayne will be at the art center until the end of October.
Wayne studied at Grand View University, where he received his degree in graphic design in 2019. Since he was a young child, Wayne has always loved drawing. As he got older, he realized he also loved playing around and creating art with Photoshop on his computer.
"Eventually, I just figured I could combine the two things together with graphic design," he says.
Once Wayne began attending college, it became more difficult for him to continue drawing with his hands. He was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was six months old, a genetic disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
"When I was younger, I was able to walk and use my arms more. Back then, I was able to do a lot more actual drawing and painting and stuff. As time went on, basically around the time I went to college, it became a lot more difficult for me to draw," he says. "At that stage, I was transitioning more to graphic design anyway, so I kind of just started doing pretty much all of my work on the computer."
Wayne says his parents, John and Michelle, have been huge supporters of his work.
"My parents have always been supportive of both my needs to my disability and supporting and encouraging me to do art," he says.
Wayne's designs can be viewed and purchased online at jordanwaynedesigns.com and at the Oskaloosa Art Center until the end of the month. Twenty-percent of proceeds will support the Oskaloosa Art Center.
Emily Hawk is the associate editor of the Ottumwa Courier and the Oskaloosa Herald. She can be reached at ehawk@oskyherald.com.
